Characterization: Protagonist and Antagonist

CCRL.6.3: Describe how a particular story’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond to change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

EQ: How to identify the protagonist and antagonist in the story, and how do they affect the conflicts within a story?

Characters can be people, animals, or imaginary creatures. In a story, there is often one character who stands out at the center of the action. Most of the story revolves around this character. This character is called the protagonist. On the other hand, the antagonist is the character who creates a problem for the protagonist. The antagonist is generally a character that reader so not like. (Mastering the CCGPS)

From my previous lesson, I realized that my students do not clearly understand the difference between a protagonist and a antagonist.

First, let’s review the prefix of both words.

Pro means forward or in favor ofAnti means opposing or against

I will have students write these terms in their vocabulary notebooks.

We’ll discuss as a class what they think of when they hear these words. What heroes do they know from stories? Who is their favorite? What villains come to mind and why?

Students will draw a T-Chart. On one side they will write protagonist with the definition written in their own words and the other side they will write antagonist with the definition in their own words. Students will take notes from the first two clips below.

What characteristics describe a protagonist and an antagonist?

Who is the protagonist?

This clip helps to answer that question. However, we will only watch the first two minutes as a class.

We will discuss as a class and the students will answer the questions, “What is a protagonist and antagonist?” as their ticket out the door.

Extension: If there is time, I wanted to hand the students back their narrative essays from last week. I want them to identify the protagonist and antagonist in their own stories. I want them to find ways to develop their characters better. What elements could they add after today’s lesson.